Celebrating Excellence in British Frying: A Journey to Norway

Hosting the winners: Celebrating the best in British frying. Read Fish Focus’ latest publication focusing on Seafood from Norway.

This June, Seafood from Norway, in conjunction with Norwegian Frozen at Sea, orchestrated a remarkable educational trip for the winners of the UK’s National Fish & Chip Awards. Held in Sortland, a picturesque town in northern Norway, this event highlighted the enduring connection between Norway’s fishing industry and the UK’s cherished fish and chip tradition.

A Noteworthy Collaboration

From June 17 to 19, the three-day program immersed the award winners, recognized in various categories, in Norway’s rich fishing culture and seafood supply chain. This journey is now a hallmark of the awards experience, offering winners an invaluable opportunity to understand the provenance, care, and sustainability of the whitefish that forms the backbone of their menus.

As the headline sponsor of the National Fish & Chip Awards and a supporter of the Environment and Sustainable Business Award, Seafood from Norway remains dedicated to advocating excellence and sustainability within the sector.

An Engaging Experience

This year’s participant group included award-winning operators, representatives from the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), the Frozen at Sea Fillets Association (FASFA), as well as invited industry stakeholders and media members. They were warmly greeted by the Mayor of Sortland, Grete Ellingsen, and hosted by local enterprise Holmøy Maritime.

The diverse itinerary featured educational and cultural experiences. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in expert briefings with the Norwegian Fishing Vessel Owners Association and the Norwegian Coast Guard, gaining valuable insights into Norway’s globally recognized fisheries management system.

A highlight of the trip was a voyage aboard the Langøy, a vessel belonging to a Norwegian Frozen at Sea member and operated by Prestfjord of the Holmøy Group. Guests experienced firsthand the craftsmanship and sustainable practices intrinsic to Norway’s whitefish industry.

“The sea has always been at the heart of life here in northern Norway,” said Knut Holmøy, CEO of the Holmøy Group. “As a family-owned company with deep roots in the local community, Holmøy is built on generations of dedication and a profound respect for the ocean that sustains us.”

A Touch of Local Culture

In addition to maritime activities, participants visited the historic fishing site of Sildpollen, where they savored the local specialty, saithe mølje. While some attempted their hand at fishing in the stunning fjord, others toured the Holmøy offices and whitefish storage facilities, garnering insights into the daily operations critical to the region’s seafood industry.

The trip concluded with a tour of the impressive Holmøy production facility, a state-of-the-art establishment that showcases the innovation and commitment behind Norway’s seafood exports.

Reflections on the Experience

Victoria Braathen, the UK Director of the Norwegian Seafood Council, shared her thoughts on the successful event:

“It was a great pleasure to host the winners of the 2025 National Fish & Chip Awards in Sortland to celebrate their achievements. This year marks over a decade of collaboration between Seafood from Norway and the UK’s iconic fish and chip industry. The trip provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen ties while showcasing the care and commitment that goes into delivering the high-quality Norwegian whitefish used by fish and chip operators across the UK.”